Pullicino Orlando slams St John's museum plans
Tunnels 'would damage the cathedral'
Valletta Waterfront seen through a gaping hole of a dilapidated wall in lower Fort St Angelo in Vittoriosa. Heritage Malta says it could cost about €15 million to restore the fort.
Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando yesterday called on the government to divert funds allocated for the "extravagant" underground extension of St John's Co-Cathedral Museum in Valletta to the urgent restoration of forts St Elmo and St Angelo.
He called for the exploration of cheaper and more viable alternatives, including exhibiting some of the museum items in a nearby palazzo.
The argument is aligned with that of environmentalists, with whom he had fallen foul following the controversy that had surrounded an application for an open-air disco to be built on ecologically sensitive land the MP owns in Mistra.
Dr Pullicino Orlando was speaking during one of Parliament's marathon sessions meant to be dedicated to the budget.
Yesterday's was the first public position taken by a Nationalist MP against the project. One of the council members of the St John's Co-Cathedral Foundation, which has proposed the plans and administers the museum, is Richard Cachia Caruana, a central figure in the Nationalist Party.
The young MP said he could not understand how the government had sought €14 million from EU structural and cohesion funds for the controversial St John's project when the two forts could be restored with a third of that amount.
He even wondered how the project had been selected for EU funding in the first place.
While the restoration of St Elmo has been priced at around €2.4 million, a spokesman for Heritage Malta says restoring St Angelo could cost around €15 million.
Dr Pullicino Orlando said the priorities need to be reorganised and appealed to the Planning and Priorities Division at the Office of the Prime Minister to reconsider the matter.
"If the government allows the project to go through, it would be acting like a father whose children are in torn, old clothes, while he buys a BMW to impress friends. Given its limited resources, this country clearly needs to set its priorities," he said, reminiscent of his outspokenness on environmental issues in the past.
He insisted that the proposed project would cause major inconvenience while works were in progress, adding that it was difficult to see how the works would not damage the Co-Cathedral.
He pointed out that the architect responsible for the project had not given any guarantees as he recalled that the Co-Cathedral's foundation had itself stopped a neighbouring shop from digging a small hole for a safe, because of the risk of damage. "How can it now apply to dig a whole quarry outside St John's?" he asked.
Dr Pullicino Orlando even asked whether it was true that there would also be tunnels under the cathedral itself for access purposes. "Does anyone believe these would not cause damage to this historic edifice?" he asked, pointing out that the development would probably also damage Valletta's historic tunnels.
He even questioned the maintenance costs of the project which are said to be quite hefty, particularly because of the air conditioning systems the underground museum would need.
"Surely it makes more sense to use such funds on restoration works?"
The environment impact assessment on its own would cost €50,000. And at the same time other historic jewels were in real danger of being lost forever, he insisted.
The young dentist was left out of what was expected to be a sure seat on the Cabinet last March after Labour revealed the controversial Mistra permit which then ended up being at the centre of an investigation on corruption claims.
No corruption charges were eventually brought against Dr Pullicino Orlando but two Development Control Commission members and the Malta Tourism Authority's former CEO were charged with trading in influence.
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24 Comments
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Jeremy J Camilleri
Nov 18th 2008, 10:12
S bugeja..If not mistaken, there are no court proceedings regarding anti Eu stands.
Joe Zahra
Nov 16th 2008, 15:50
Here we go again,more talking while doing nothing.I just got back home from a vacation visiting Austria Germany and the Czech Republic.
J Martinelli
Nov 16th 2008, 14:04
@ William P Flynn
You referred to the Marshall Aid issue and you were spot on, however it has been said many times that the funds to rebuild the Opera House were given under the War Damages Act. This question should be asked to those who were responsible for administering the War damages. I think a dwindling few are still with us but none comes forward to explain.
You read some of the comments sent after mine and yours and you can easily gauge the mentality of some.
@ mario mifsud
You are, as always, mixing apples with oranges. The 50c for 'free' medicine and the 50c for a doctor's certificate and the door tax and the sewer tax and the sky high increase of W & E rates in 1996-97 had nothing to do with 'good causes'.
CE Agius "shudders at the very thought of playing around ANYWHERE near the foundations of the Cathedral". So would I, except that the Foundation is definitely not 'playing around' and the proper channels are being followed. An independent Environmental Impact Assessment
is being obtained, latest and safest technology will be used and no contractor of any repute would endanger its reputation.
s.bugeja
Nov 16th 2008, 10:22
@ Jeremy J Camilleri
Well, I know a person who was dead set against Malt's entry into the EU but he still enjoys the support of thousands even though he made a complete U-turn. No one of his followers lost confidence in him and rightly so because if we were to lose ALL confidence in a person who erred, we would not even look in the mirror.
Marco Cremona
Nov 16th 2008, 09:13
@John Schembri.
You are incorrect in saying that St. John's belongs to the Church. It belongs to both the Church and the Government; it is therefore NOT private property with which the Foundation can do as it pleases. The Foundation's actions are accountable to government and therefore to the people of Malta. Moreover the funds being wasted by the Foundation come from the Euro855 million that have been given to Malta to improve its citizens' quality of life and standard of living. We therefore should have a direct interest that every cent is spent in the best possible manner. This extravagant waste of our money is scandalous, and the Church should immediately disassociate itself from the project and force the Foundation to seek an alternative project.
With regards to JPO's stand on the project, it's typical of the guy. Do you remember how he went up against the strongest contractor in the country (Polidano) and stopped his cement plant? how he spear-headed a campaign against his own government's plans to construct an engineered landfill a few metres away from the Mnajdra temples..... and won?; and again with the Prime Minister's Xaghra l-Hamra golf course
I'm glad he gets results.
Jeremy J Camilleri
Nov 15th 2008, 21:06
Once again I state that for something positive to be achieved, the person behind it should believe in the cause.
JPO´s new found credentials could never lead me to believe that he is genuine. SOrry
John A. Azzopardi
Nov 15th 2008, 08:46
40 years ago, June 1968 to be precise, I was a young emigrant in Alberta, Canada. One day an office colleague decided that I needed a cultural tour around our city, so one Saturday morning we set out to see one of the most famous historical sites. We drove, and drove, and drove, for about 5 hours and at last came to a vast plain. In the middle was a 1mt x 1 mt plaque depicting the "historic last battle between General something and one of the Red Indian tribes (sorry my memory lacks more detail). Being Saturday there was quite a crowd at the site.
Looking very coy and with a smirk on my face, I asked my friend "Is this the famous historic site that we drove for 5 hours to see ?
When we arrived back I invited my Canadian friends to show them some slides of Malta ( I was an avid photographer at that time). We spent a most pleasant 5 hours watching slides and pics of the Maltese famous historical sites.
One friend told me "With all that cultural wealth why did you come here?".
Jasmine Grech
Nov 15th 2008, 08:10
It is common in some tourist destinations in the SE appealing to the local & foreign tourists for donations to help restoring the damaged ancient temples when certain funds allocated to them are insufficient .
J. Schembri
Nov 15th 2008, 07:43
Saint John's Cathedral is Church property , and as far as I can understand it is asking for EU funding. Government is not directly involved in applying for funding.
Still I am in favour of the restoration of Forts Saint Elmo and Saint Angelo and against a horrible structure in the cemetery of Saint John's.
But I believe we are mixing responsibilities here.
s.bugeja
Nov 15th 2008, 00:10
@ Jeremy J camilleri
All the more reason why you should back the call to restore the forts. It is not important who spoke about it in parliament. I am ready to support the initiative no matter who takes the stand because this is the only way I can contribute. unlike you I never had the chance to produce a programme on television. There's no need to give up because once someone broke his promise. Together we can
William P Flynn
Nov 14th 2008, 23:56
@J Martinelli
Fair enough. Maybe call it contribution/whatever. Alaska stuck to its guns and got its $50; small beer in the scheme of things. Makes cruisers feel good they're doing something to save Alaska's environment.
I don't think there is another place that packs so much for tourists as Malta.
I have stopped on cruise ships there and people come back on board absolutely glowing.
A few dollars to conserve such a wonder wouldn't be hard to justify for such an important reason.
The opera house is on a class of its own. Which other opera house destroyed in WWII is still in ruins?
Send a 100kg stone from the ruins, with a "please explain", to Mr Gordon Brown whose Colonial Office shut us out of Marshall Aid which rebuilt WWII "enemy" opera houses.
I seem to recall reading it isn't a matter of money any more but (uncharacteristic!) Maltese squabbling.
@CEAgius
I shudder at the very thought of playing around ANYWHERE near the foundations of the Cathedral. I am not comforted by holding someone/government responsible. If it is seriously ruined, who on earth, what money what MP, can replace the Cathedral?!
Jeremy J Camilleri
Nov 14th 2008, 22:16
J Bugeja_ Give my support?
6 years ago, whilst still working for Wheres Everybody, I co produced an edition of Bondi + and I focused my filming on ST Angelo and St Elmo.
The then tourism minister, Michael Frendo said, live in the studio, that plans where in the pipeline to fix these jewels.
When these words proved to be empty, I did my best to convince certain people that these gems were worthy of their attention. Unsuccesful as well. Too many stumbling blocks and red tape.
Now, that is what I have done.S Bugeja, could you kindly tell us what have you done?
I once again state, that I once admired JPO so very much when he had the courage to take certain stands. Nowadays I see this for what it really is, a vain attempt to rebuild his shattered credibility.
mario mifsud
Nov 14th 2008, 21:08
J martinelli
what a great idea
Why not make a 1 euro tax on free medicene just to dither waste and then the procedings can go to a good cause
Yes a great idea indeed
oh now i remember that was already done and all hell broke free..
mm maybe it the PN did it, it would be another story ..right?
Two eights two measures
J Martinelli
Nov 14th 2008, 20:02
@ WilliamP Flynn
The mere mention of the word 'tax' will induce hysterical convulsions to a substantial minority
Here we are dealing with people who are always so glad to receive but so averse to giving to a just cause, unless of course, it is for some earthquake survivors or the missions or tsunami victims in some far away country when they somehow find enough cash to act with generosity. That in itself is a very good deed but for some reason they forget the old adage that "Charity begins at home"
If the government imposes a surcharge on some service it provides, with the proceeds going for restoration works, it will probably cause an uprising led by all the Unions, NGOs and single interest groups.
A year or so ago I suggested something similar for incoming tourists of any nationality to pay E5.00 towards the rebuilding of the Opera House. If one million visit each year, that would render E5 million and within three or four years the once magnificent Opera House would be built and paid for. But....
If only we will live long enough to see manna falling from heaven in the form of cash!
s.bugeja
Nov 14th 2008, 17:58
@ jeremy J camilleri
Forget for once your political affiliations and give credit where it's due. It's true that JPO's reputation was tarnished but that does not mean that he can do no good. Are you in agreement that St Elmo and St. Angelo need looking after? if yes then give your support.
@CE Agius it's good to hold the government liable for any damage done to St. John but what is the cathedral worth? and who is the government? Surely if God forbid some disaster shuld happen to the cathedral no amount of accountability will bring it back.
Jeremy J Camilleri
Nov 14th 2008, 15:00
Once upon a time JPO was a politician of great credibility...
Nowadays...well..Too little too late
mario mifsud
Nov 14th 2008, 11:44
talking about restoration ...
is this a whitewash face lift for JPO?
CEAgius
Nov 14th 2008, 11:16
If ever the C-Cathedral is damaged due to the works proposed, the Maltese should keep the Government liable for damages. The Co-Cathedral is part of our national heritage and it does not belong to the Government but to the people, or is it that some fat cat is after the project?
It's a real shame on whoever took this decision when so many old palaces are falling to pieces. The Government can buy and repair one of the palaces built by gentlemen for gentlemen and not ruin our heritage. Just behind St. John's Co-Cathedral, in Merchants street there are two empty palaces having typical maltese 'gallerija' opposite to each other. For sure it will not cost half as much to repair these buildings and use them as museums. The Government had bartered property for old Maltese maps, the same can be done with these premises which are ideal as they are near the co-Cathedral with easy access to tourists and locals alike.
William P Flynn
Nov 14th 2008, 11:08
There would be countries which would, in their dreams, enthusiastically buy Fort St Angela or St Elmo and dismantle them stone by stone, take them to their country and place them high on a pedestal to be admired.
Once in Vancouver airport as a tourist, I was told I had to pay a Winter Olympics Tax like every person going through those gates to help make the Winter Olympics happen.
Alaska takes $50 per cruise passenger for environmental reasons.
Unless there's some entry tax already, I think a $10 per tourist towards a designated Historical Antiquities Preservation Fund would be reasonably easily saleable.
What might be harder is to make sure every tourist gets a smile and a great personal welcome from every Maltese they come into contact with. I cruise more than once a year. It would be rare that I don't drop a few dollars into a tin or a hat or a box or a hand in just about every port I visit - just because I feel good. This is common with cruising passengers for they are appreciative people in the main.
Anyway, anyhow, these forts must be preserved; please! They are just too precious.
Steve Evans
Nov 14th 2008, 10:56
I'm sure given the amount of church property around the Maltese Islands that these church relics can be found another home and serious importance must be given to the state of these forts. Maybe an invitation to Heritage Scotland, English Heritage or an Italian Institution should be made for advice and help before any rash restoration takes place. I remember taking an Australian photographer around the forts a number of years ago. She was horrified at the islands attitude to its culture, explaining that there is nothing on a scale of what Malta has in Australia, but what they have is well looked after!!!! Time to act!
tony schembri
Nov 14th 2008, 10:52
While Leo Brincat dreams, JPO of all people, set the agenda. MLP in a coma!!
philip pace
Nov 14th 2008, 10:46
I agree totally with Mr.Pulis and Mr.Micallef.
These two places MUST be the top priority places for restoration and also not forgetting the part of Fort Ricasoli where they shot the latest film Agora.
I was one of the extras and couldn't believe how bad and dangerous this place is.
Though JPO is not seen as a saint walking among sinners, I have to applaud his stand against St.Johns as this would totally disrupt and endanger the central part of Valletta beside being a super expensive project.
We need to restore to the best of our knowledge, skill and the love for our magnificent history.
And it is about time to decide on what to do with the Royal Opera House.
v.pulis
Nov 14th 2008, 09:34
The picture accompanying this article shows a hole at the top of the ramp that leads to St. Angelo's upper level beneath the cavalier. On the other side there is a sheer drop of several metres. I wrote a letter to the times which was published more than a year ago but on visiting the fort this year the hole was still there presenting a danger to any child. This hole is just one instant of the dilapidation that can be seen in St. Angelo. I have written dozens of letters highlighting the plight of fort St. Angelo all to no avail. Being a common citizen my voice is one crying in the desert but perhaps with people like JPO our voices may be heard.I urge Dr Pullicino Orlando and other MPs who really have our cultural heritage at heat to speak up in defence of these places. The cultural concious public promise them their support whatever their political colour. in closing please let's not make the same mistakes of trying to turn these places into some modern amenity like a tourist complex or a spa. These are monuments to our history and should be treated as such.
Charles Micallef
Nov 14th 2008, 09:16
This must be surely be a matter of priorities, and it is very clear that Forts St Elmo and St Angelo are top priorities as their structures are crumbling down beyond repair while the structure of St John's Cathedral is well maintained.
I also note the comments made by JPO related to the father whose children are in torn old clothes while he buys a BMW to impress friends, this sounds familiar, just like leaving our Islands crumbling and filthy while some drive around in gas gazzlers like the BMW's and other top marques to impress who ? ...........................